Director Jon M. Chu Is Taking HOT WHEELS for a Wild Ride in New Live-Action Film
After steering Wicked into box office glory and scoring 10 Oscar nominations along the way, director Jon M. Chu is has just signed on to direct the live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel, Warner Bros. Pictures, and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot.
The script was written by Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, Hot Wheels is being described as an action-packed ride, fueled by sleek cars and adrenaline, with plot details still tightly under wraps.
The project marks another major team-up for Chu, Abrams, and Warner Bros., who are also collaborating on Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Bad Robot’s first animated theatrical release.
In a statement, Mattel Studios’ President and Chief Content Officer Robbie Brenner said: “Jon’s ability to craft rich, elaborate worlds with a distinct point of view makes him the ideal storyteller to bring Hot Wheels to life.
“His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames. Paired with Juel and Tony’s compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.”
Chu echoed that vision, saying: “Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed – it’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play. Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity.
“I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels’ legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”
Warner Bros. and Bad Robot first announced the collaboration back in 2022. Now, with Chu in the driver’s seat, the vision is starting to accelerate.
J.J. Abrams added: “We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film. Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.”
Warner Bros. Pictures’ President of Development and Production Jesse Ehrman also praised the team: “Jon is a visionary director and an incredible partner to Warner Bros. We are thrilled to have him join us, along with the talented writing duo of Juel and Tony. With our collaborators at Bad Robot and Mattel Studios, we can’t wait to bring Hot Wheels to life on the big screen.”
Hot Wheels has been a global juggernaut since its 1968 debut, originally created by Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler as a cooler alternative to Matchbox cars. Over the decades, the brand has sold more than eight billion vehicles and crossed into fashion, motorsports, gaming, and beyond.
Mattel is also deep into film adaptations from Polly Pocket and Magic 8 Ball to Whac-A-Mole and UNO. The toy box is officially open, and Hot Wheels is gunning it to the front of the line.
Source: Deadline